Years ago, when I was a criminology student, I spent many hours writing about criminal behaviour for term papers. By the time I received my diploma from Douglas College, I realized that I'd rather write crime fiction than work for the Criminal Justice System, a decision I've never regretted.
While learning the craft of writing through courses, conferences, workshops, books, and critique groups, I worked as a secretary for accountants, academics, lawyers, and others. When I left full time employment to raise my children, I used pockets of free time to develop short fiction while I kept working on novels. A number of my parenting experiences found their way into stories, essays, and anecdotes.
I also began writing my Alex Bellamy mysteries, TAXED TO DEATH and FATAL ENCRYPTION. Taxed to Death is no longer in print, but Fatal Encryption is still available. With its Port Moody settings, the book has a special place in my heart. It was published back in 2008 before the SkyTrain came in and development started changing things, so I'm glad I captured the city as it was back then.
When my children were older, I returned to a paying job and worked in retail for five years. From there, I ventured into security work, where I trained as a patrol and communications officer. This experience proved to be invaluable research for my Casey Holland mysteries. Currently, I am devoting more time to writing, editing, blogging, and book reviewing.
A few years ago, I began writing novellas and created a brand new character named Evan Dunstan. Evan's a campus security guard with a penchant for trouble and his debut appearance is in DEAD MAN FLOATING. The second installment A TOXIC CRAFT features his feisty grandmother Martha and her cronies who cause no end of trouble for Evan. My publisher is no longer in business and I hope to release the novellas again in the future.
If You're Curious, Some of My Writing Awards Include:
While learning the craft of writing through courses, conferences, workshops, books, and critique groups, I worked as a secretary for accountants, academics, lawyers, and others. When I left full time employment to raise my children, I used pockets of free time to develop short fiction while I kept working on novels. A number of my parenting experiences found their way into stories, essays, and anecdotes.
I also began writing my Alex Bellamy mysteries, TAXED TO DEATH and FATAL ENCRYPTION. Taxed to Death is no longer in print, but Fatal Encryption is still available. With its Port Moody settings, the book has a special place in my heart. It was published back in 2008 before the SkyTrain came in and development started changing things, so I'm glad I captured the city as it was back then.
When my children were older, I returned to a paying job and worked in retail for five years. From there, I ventured into security work, where I trained as a patrol and communications officer. This experience proved to be invaluable research for my Casey Holland mysteries. Currently, I am devoting more time to writing, editing, blogging, and book reviewing.
A few years ago, I began writing novellas and created a brand new character named Evan Dunstan. Evan's a campus security guard with a penchant for trouble and his debut appearance is in DEAD MAN FLOATING. The second installment A TOXIC CRAFT features his feisty grandmother Martha and her cronies who cause no end of trouble for Evan. My publisher is no longer in business and I hope to release the novellas again in the future.
If You're Curious, Some of My Writing Awards Include:
- First Place short story, "The Taste of Peppermint" in NeWest Review, Fall 1998
- Second Place essay, "Success and the Worthy Cause", Success Wanted Contest, November 2002
- Runner-up with short story "Bruised Apples" in Joyous Publishing's spring 2007 contest
- Finalist in Burnaby Writers' Society "High Middle Ages" contest with my story "You Want Fries With That?", 2007
- Honourable Mention for short story "Some Mother's Child" at the Surrey International Writers' Conference, 2007
- Third place for short story, "Inside Out" in On The Premises fiction contest, February 2011